The Graduate Program in the Education of Exceptional Persons can lead to either a master's degree in Education; a second or initial certification in the area of Cognitive, Behavior, and Physical/Health Disabilities (CBPHD); Special Education; or a combination of certification and master's degree. The age range associated with the certificate is N-12 (i.e., nursery school age to high school graduation).

In Pennsylvania , teachers certified in this area typically teach in K-12 public schools, approved private schools for students with special needs, or early intervention classrooms/programs. In K-12 schools, this certification qualifies to teach students identified for Learning Support, Life Skills Support, or Emotional Support or for work as Inclusion, Transition, or Assistive Technology Specialists. Teachers may work individually, in groups, or in inclusive settings with students with disabilities. Teachers of students who are blind/visually impaired and students with hearing loss/deaf require a separate certification from CBPHD.

Most graduates complete the program within two years if the suggested course sequence is followed. Students gain a wide range of experiences as they progress through the program. In the classroom-based classes, students will learn specific theoretical and practical content about teaching methodologies and strategies as well as learning and behavior characteristics of a broad range of disabilities. During the program's field experiences, students are able to apply their knowledge firsthand in public, private, and alternative school classrooms throughout Western Pennsylvania and beyond.

In summary, students completing the Graduate Program in Education of Exceptional Persons and IUP will be provided a breadth of knowledge about various disability categories, be given the opportunity to apply and practice teaching students in several different environments, and be encouraged to engage in professional activities outside the typical college classroom.

The department faculty includes eighteen full-time tenure track faculty members who are nationally and internationally recognized authors and presenters as well as professionals with a distinguished background as public school teachers and administrators. Additional temporary or part-time faculty members are drawn from outstanding area professional educators whose contemporary practice in public schools offers valuable perspective to pre-service and in-service teachers.